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Dear Cathedral,
It begins tonight, the Three Days or Triduum, the Holiest time of the Christian year. Tonight, we walk with Jesus to the upper room where he shares his body and blood with us and washes our feet, then we stay awake with him through the night (sign up to pray and be awake for half hour increments by clicking here).
On Friday, we will worship for three hours meditating on Jesus’ final words then hear the organ sing of his final steps in the evening. Join me on Holy Saturday to pray and decorate the church. Finally, we will gather in the early hours of the morning as the sun is rising on Easter to kindle a fire in the darkness and celebrate the mind-boggling gift of the resurrection of Jesus from the dead.
There is nothing like these three days. I wouldn’t miss them for all the world. Come with me.
In Christ’s love
Kate+
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Maundy Thursday Holy Eucharist
Thursday, March 28
7 p.m.
The service will be live-streamed. Watch it here.
Maundy Thursday commemorates the poignant events of the Last Supper, a pivotal moment in Christian tradition. As the Bible recounts, Jesus shared a final meal with his disciples, imparting profound teachings of love and service.
During this gathering, Jesus humbly washed the feet of his disciples, exemplifying the spirit of humility and selflessness. The word "Maundy" stems from the Latin "mandatum," meaning "command," reflecting Jesus's directive to love one another as he has loved us.
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples if you love one another." (John 13:34-35)
Through the Holy Eucharist, we honor the sacrifice and profound love embodied in the Last Supper. We remember Jesus's impending betrayal and trial. Join us for the Maundy Thursday service, where the Gospel will be read, and reflections shared. Following tradition, we offer foot washing as a symbol of humility and service, inviting all who wish to participate. As the service concludes, the Altar is solemnly stripped, lights are dimmed, and all depart in silence.
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The Watch - A Prayer Vigil | |
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“Then he came to the disciples and found them sleeping, and he said to Peter, ‘So, could you not stay awake with me one hour?’” Matthew 26:40
The Watch - A Prayer Vigil
Thursday, March 28 at 8 p.m. until Friday, March 29 at Noon
Pray with us from your home or wherever you are.
In Matthew, Jesus asked his disciples if they could stay awake with him for just one hour; but they could not. Since that time, disciples have been trying to honor His request.
Here at St. John’s Cathedral, we will attempt to do our part by keeping watch and praying with Christians around the world. We invite you to join in remembering our Lord’s passion by praying and keeping watch with Him for a 30-minute segment during our remembrance of that fateful night. Sign up here
You may choose as many 30-minute time slots as you wish. Each time slot has a maximum of two people, when that number is reached the slot will no longer be available in the drop-down menu.
Prayers and Meditation Guide for The Watch
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The Seven Last Words of Christ
Friday, March 29
12 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Cathedral
This service will be livestreamed here.
Experience the depth of Christ's sacrifice as we reflect on "The Seven Last Words" spoken from the cross.
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"Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do."
"Today you will be with me in Paradise."
"Woman, this is your son" . . . "This is your mother."
"My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"
"I thirst."
"It is finished."
"Father, into your hands I commend my spirit."
Join us for this sacred service, where we will journey through these profound statements, A musical meditation follows each homily. This service offers a sacred space for contemplation and spiritual renewal. You may come and go as you please.
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Le Chemin de la Croix (The Stations of the Cross), Op. 29, Marcel Dupré with Poetry by Paul Claudel
Friday, March 29
7 p.m.
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In 1931 the great French organist Marcel Dupré improvised a musical depiction of the Stations in Brussels as meditations on poems by Paul Claudel. For many years Dupré was organist at Notre Dame in Paris where he deputized for Louis Vierne. Throughout the fourteen movements of The Stations of the Cross, Dupré weaves a rich theological tapestry symbolizing religious themes of Christ's Passion (suffering, redemption, the cross, and piety to name just a few) by linking them to musical motives (four ascending notes, a descending major triad, etc.).
Come for some respite on Good Friday evening for this meditative performance by Canon for Music Timothy Tuller of Dupré’s music; Hayley Tuller will recite Claudel’s poetry. The service will be livestreamed here.
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Good Friday Offering
This Good Friday we will collect an offering to support the American Friends of the Parents Circle - Families Forum. Please donate as you are able to help continue the peace and reconciliation work of bereaved Israelis and Palestinians. Scan the QR code to the left or visit: www.parentscirclefriends.org/donate
American Friends of the Parents Circle - Families Forum
2248 Broadway #1531
New York, NY 10024
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Holy Saturday Liturgy and Decorate the Nave for Easter
Saturday, March 30
9 a.m.
Dean Kate will lead a Holy Saturday liturgy in the Cathedral then, many hands are needed to decorate the Nave with Eater lilies in preparation for Easter Sunday. Please join us as you are able!
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Tim Tuller, Canon for Music, gives notes on the service music for
Easter Sunday, March 31, 2024 | |
Join us at Dawn for The Great Vigil
6 a.m. Easter Sunday
One of Christianity's most ancient services, Easter Vigil begins in the darkened Cathedral with the Service of Light: kindling a bonfire and lighting the Paschal candle. We recount Hebrew Scripture's history of God's saving works by candlelight and then renew our baptismal vows. Then, everything changes: death becomes life, darkness becomes light, and the resurrection happens! We will make some noise and shout "Alleluia!" because Jesus is risen. The Vigil culminates with the Eucharist.
Bring handbells or other noise makers to join in the fun! If you've never experienced this service, why not join us this year and see why it is a time-honored tradition?
Livestream available here.
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The Flowering of the Cross
9 a.m. Easter Sunday
The flowering of the cross has been traced back to the 6th century. It is an especially striking and beautiful way to symbolize the new life that emerges from Jesus’s death on Good Friday. At St. John's Cathedral, Flowering the Cross is done at the 9 a.m. Easter service. Children and families are invited to come to the altar and flower the cross after the Welcome and Announcements, The cross is covered with real flowers and remains at the altar as a symbol of new life in our risen Lord. You can bring flowers from your garden or place flowers from the bucket the Sanctuary Guild provides. All are encouraged to participate.
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BackStory: Racial Healing Over a Lifetime
Thursday, April 4
3 p.m.
Online: Register using the link below.
Join recently retired executive director of the Absalom Jones Center for Racial Healing Catherine Meeks and Dean Kate Moorehead Carroll of St. John’s Cathedral for a conversation about Catherine’s life and her work for racial healing and reconciliation. In partnership with Episcopal Parish Network, Catherine and Kate will participate in a BackStory discussion. BackStory is a regular program under the umbrella of St. John’s Cathedral Bookstore & Gift Shop. BackStory gives the reader a chance to answer some of their questions and hear firsthand how a book was developed.
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Cultural Dinner: Latin and South America
Saturday, April 6
6 p.m. | Taliaferro Hall
$30 per person
Registration closes April 1. Register today.
We are a multicultural parish, and there’s no better way to celebrate our differing backgrounds than to come together over lovingly prepared food and drink to meet and get to know each other in friendship.
Our first Cultural Dinner will celebrate Latin/South American cuisine. The buffet-style dinner will feature delicious plates such as Mexican street corn salad, Argentinian beef & chicken empanadas, Puerto Rican roast pork, Mexican tamales, Cuban yellow rice, Cuban black beans, Mexican chicken enchiladas, Cuban plantains, Brazilian cheese bread, Latin tres leches cake, Cuban flan, and some delicious Sangria.
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Hunger Fight 2024
Sunday, April 7
Following the 10:30 a.m. service in Taliaferro Hall.
Thanks to all who signed up after our last call to action! We now have 36 people registered. We need at least 60, so sign up today! The whole family will enjoy this intergenerational event that helps feed our neighbors. Register by April 1.
Please indicate on the registration form that you would like a lunch. This event and the lunch are free, but registration is requested.
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Free Wheelchair Mission Kickoff Events
Saturday, April 13 and Sunday, April 14
Free Wheelchair Mission is the world’s largest nonprofit manufacturer of cost-efficient, durable wheelchairs designed for the developing world. Since 2001, they have distributed more than 1.4 million wheelchairs to individuals living with disabilities in 95 countries, providing renewed dignity, independence, and hope through the gift of mobility. More details to be released soon about our Eastertide match opportunity!
Free Wheelchair Mission Founder Don Schoendorfer and Director of Development Angela Gomez will visit St. John’s Cathedral Saturday, April 13 and Sunday, April 14. Below are three opportunities to meet them and learn more about Free Wheelchair Mission.
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Wine and Hors d’oeuvres Reception
Saturday, April 13 | 6:30 to 8 p.m.
Home of Beth and Michael Kirwan
Open to all, registration is required as space is limited. Register here.
Dean’s Forum
Sunday, April 14 | 9 a.m.
Taliaferro Hall
Open to all. No registration required.
Coffee Hour and Book Signing
Sunday, April 14 | 11:45 a.m.
Taliaferro Hall
Open to all. No registration required.
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Watch the video below to see the deep gratitude of a young woman in Brazil, who received her first wheelchair from Free Wheelchair Mission. She had been living on the ground. Now she is seated in a wheelchair and given the gift of mobility for the first time. The gift enabled her to RISE!, literally a gift of resurrection. Throughout the Easter season, St. John's will host a X4 Gift Challenge to give people all over the world this very same gift. Stay tuned for details. | |
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Join the Green Spirits for a Walk along McCoys Creek
Saturday, April 13 | 9:30 a.m. | 401 Stockton Street
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Documentary Screening: The Philadelphia Eleven
Saturday, April 20
Noon
Sun-Ray Cinema Five Points
Join St. John's Cathedral, the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, and the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer at the Sun-Ray Cinema for a screening of The Philadelphia Eleven – an award-winning documentary marking the 50th anniversary of the July 1974 moment when eleven courageous women and three brave bishops shattered the stained glass ceiling by ordaining the first women as priests in the Episcopal Church.
All are welcome. An opportunity for reflection and conversation will follow the screening. Purchase your tickets using the link below.
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Spring into FUN at our Spring Festival
Saturday, April 20
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Join us for a day filled with joy, laughter, and plenty of goodies at our Spring Festival! This is your chance to explore the talents of our vibrant local community and indulge in the finest crafts and goods.
🛍️ Shop Local Delights: Make your way through Taliaferro Hall, where local vendors will showcase an array of treasures. From captivating books to lush plants, dazzling jewelry to exquisite quilts, there's something for everyone!
📚 Explore Across the Street: Venture to the St. John's Cathedral Bookstore and Gift Shop for even more delightful finds and surprises!
🎶 Groove to Live Music: Let the rhythm of spring fill your soul! Taliferro Hall will be alive with the sounds of our Celebration Choir and a toe-tapping Blue Grass Band, keeping the atmosphere lively throughout the day.
🍔 Savor Delicious Eats: Hungry? Fear not! Food trucks will be stationed along Cathedral Park, ready to serve up mouthwatering delights.
🎨 Meet Amazing Artists: Rub shoulders with talented artisans, including an award-winning quilter whose creations will leave you in awe.
Don't miss this fantastic opportunity to celebrate the season and support our local community. Bring your friends, family, and neighbors for a day of fun, shopping, and community spirit. See you there!
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Enjoy this video of highlights from Palm Sunday! | |
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Sunday, March 31
Hillary Bodin, Helen Courtney, Marissa Norton, Mary Jane Williamson
Monday, April 1
Janice Lee
Tuesday, April 2
Thomas Corey
Wednesday, April 3
David Perry, Richard Samuels
Thursday, April 4
Andrew Iguina, Jack Owen, Tom Serwatka
Friday, April 5
No Cathedral Birthdays
Saturday, April 6
Eliza Elmahi, Ezra Lefferd, Mary Moriarty, Margaret Stone
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The prayer line is always open...
Please let us know what you need and how we can pray for you. Many parishioners appreciate our clergy being with them prior to surgery. If you are having a medical procedure and would like pre-op prayers, please call the church office
(904) 356-5507. If you are calling after hours, press 4, and your call will be routed to a member of the clergy.
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